Big Ten Power Rankings Week 8: Oregon Dominates, Michigan Slides

As the Big Ten football season heats up following Week 8, the landscape continues to shift with dominant performances, upsets, and hard-fought wins. With some teams on bye and others clashing in important matchups, here’s how the power rankings shape up.

1. Oregon (7-0)
Oregon reaffirms its top position with a commanding 35-0 win over Purdue. The Ducks’ defense was suffocating, holding Purdue to minimal offensive production while quarterback Dillon Gabriel efficiently managed the game. Oregon continues to be the most balanced team in the Big Ten and looks ready for a deep playoff run.

2. Ohio State (6-1)
On a bye week, Ohio State stays put at number two. The Buckeyes remain a powerhouse in the conference, with their only loss coming to Oregon. Their defense has shown flashes of brilliance, but they also didn’t have a great day vs Oregon. But even with a loss, they remain the 2nd best team in the Big Ten.

3. Indiana (7-0)
Indiana makes a strong statement by moving up to third after obliterating Nebraska 56-7. Kurtis Rourke has led the Hoosiers with precision, but it was the defense that really stood out, stifling Nebraska’s offense. With Indiana’s high-flying offense and opportunistic defense, they are emerging as legitimate contenders in the Big Ten.

4. Penn State (6-1)
Despite being idle this week, Penn State remains in the upper tier. The Nittany Lions have had some tight wins, but their overall quality keeps them ranked highly. With a huge matchup against Ohio State on the horizon, they’ll have a chance to prove they belong higher.

5. Illinois (6-1)
Illinois delivered one of the most impressive performances of Week 8, defeating Michigan 21-7 in a dominant defensive display. Illinois continues to show they are not just a one-dimensional team, and their only loss remains a close one to Penn State. Their defense is one of the best in the league, and they are in the conversation for a top-10 national ranking.

6. Wisconsin (5-2)
Wisconsin took care of business, beating Northwestern 23-3. The Badgers’ defense was once again dominant, and Brayden Locke continues to find his rhythm at quarterback. While Wisconsin has a tough schedule ahead, they look primed for a strong finish to the season.

7. Michigan State (5-2)
The Spartans jump up a few spots after their 32-20 victory over Iowa. Michigan State’s offense has started to click, and they’re proving they can hang with the top-tier teams. Their losses to Ohio State and Oregon were expected, but the Spartans are showing resilience and could be a dangerous team down the stretch.

8. Iowa (4-3)
Iowa drops down after the loss to Michigan State. While the Hawkeyes’ defense is still stout, their offense continues to struggle. They’ll need to find more consistency if they want to avoid slipping further in the rankings.

9. Nebraska (4-3)
Nebraska took a significant hit in Week 8, falling hard to Indiana, 56-7. Despite the blowout loss, the Cornhuskers have enough talent and past results to stay within the top 10. They’ll need to rebound quickly to avoid further slippage.

10. Minnesota (4-2)
Minnesota holds at number 10 after their bye week. The Golden Gophers have been inconsistent but are still in a solid position to make a push for a better bowl game if they can string together some wins.

11. Washington (4-2)
Washington also was on a bye this week, keeping them at number 11. They’ve had some tough losses, but the Huskies have shown enough flashes to remain relevant in the middle of the pack.

12. Michigan (4-3)
Michigan continues to slide, losing 21-7 to Illinois. The Wolverines’ offense has become a serious liability, and despite a solid defensive effort, they’re trending in the wrong direction. With a tough remaining schedule, Michigan needs to find answers quickly to salvage their season.

13. Maryland (4-3)
Maryland moves up after a thrilling 29-28 victory over USC. The Terrapins showed grit in pulling off the upset, but consistency remains a question mark. Still, a win over USC gives them much-needed momentum.

14. USC (3-4)
USC’s struggles continue after a 29-28 loss to Maryland. Once seen as a potential dark horse, the Trojans’ defense has been a major issue, and their playoff hopes have all but vanished. They’ll need to regroup quickly to stay in the postseason hunt.

15. UCLA (4-3)
UCLA climbs a few spots after their 35-32 win over Rutgers. It wasn’t pretty, but the Bruins’ offense did enough to edge out a close game. UCLA’s inconsistency, however, keeps them from rising higher.

16. Rutgers (4-3)
Rutgers fought hard but fell short in a 35-32 loss to UCLA. Injuries have ravaged the Scarlet Knights, and their early-season form is a distant memory. They’ll need to find some stability to stay competitive.

17. Northwestern (2-5)
Northwestern’s 23-3 loss to Wisconsin shows just how far the Wildcats have fallen. Offensively inept and struggling across the board, Northwestern sits near the bottom with little hope of climbing out.

18. Purdue (1-6)
Purdue’s season went from bad to worse with a 35-0 drubbing at the hands of Oregon. The Boilermakers are now officially in free-fall mode and will be fighting just to avoid finishing dead last in the conference.

Week 8 provided further clarity in the Big Ten landscape, with Oregon, Indiana, and Illinois continuing to rise, while Michigan and Nebraska faltered. As the season progresses, the stakes only get higher.

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Jon "JR" Rhoades

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